Noob has Dreams.

[helplessnoob69]

I have made the decision that I want to purchase a sailboat. My budget for the boat is under 50,000. Aside from sailing camp 3 years back, I have roughly ZERO experience, but I am determined to master this art. I know the basic concept of how a sail works and how the boom operates, and how to rig little 15 footers. Spent a few weeks with them. We also learned how to use and rig a jib (to a degree).

Ultimately I want to travel from Massachusetts to the Caribbean, and possibly further. What size boat is reasonable for such a voyage? I plan to gain a few years experience before setting out on this expedition. I was assuming id be looking at a 35-40 foot boat. Is this reasonable to learn on?

I have also come to realize that docking at a marina is very expensive. How do people get around these fees? I will be also purchasing a house in Falmouth, Mass. This is very close to the water, and I see boats parked (?) out in the bay. What is this called, and are there any costs associated with it?

Lastly, Id like to know what the biggest costs tend to be with these gorgeous machines. So far I see the initial purchase cost, marina costs (6,000$/yr that id LOVE to find out how to avoid) and fuel, water, electricity costs (im not sure about this one, is that even a factor? How do boats get charged? i know nothing at all) and insurance costs.

Thanks in advance. If this thread needs to be moved, please do so, so Ill be better at navigating this forum. There are so many subforums I am confused haha.


Here's a burger for your trouble!

[Neo]

That thing is called a mooring. You lots of questions and lots to learn. Use the google search function under the drop down menu on this forum. It will get you started. Once you've spent a week reading old threads, you'll be ready to ask your next round of questions. All the best luck.

[Stugots]

Wow. You might be the noobiest noob I've seen on this site! Haha.

I like the enthusiasm though. Do some research on here. Lots of good info.

[Boracay]

If yous were to post, either in your profile or in this thread, some personal information it would help greatly in answering your questions.

In particular your age, skills, size of family group, location, income group, resources and time frame may narrow down your possible options.

[ssanzone]

dude.... GO SAILING!

find a local marina and ask around for people that are willing to take you out with them and then watch and listen.

then do it again and again and again and again and again and again and again.

THEN ask questions.

eager is a good thing. trying to figure out how to budget for slip fees before you have sailed a boat over 15 feet and know if you actually do want to sail is a bit (by which i mean really) silly.

in the mean time... read everything you can.

-steve

[skipmac]

One thing you should know. Marinas and docks are very expensive in New England. Chesapeake, north FL, Gulf Coast are some places that are much cheaper.

But as mentioned those boats out in the bay are probably on moorings. That is a larger, permanent anchor type rig. If you are cruising and living on your boat you can use your own anchor for free.

As far as how big. Well like certain other things size isn't the most important thing. Much better to have a good small boat that a big piece of junk.

[bobola]

Learn on a small boat.
A great place to start is a beach cat, like a 16' Hobie.
If you can sail one of those in a strong wind, you can sail anything...